Creating Better Places 2010-11 Urban Improvement Grants

General Information and Case StudiesThis brochure provides background information about the Creating Better Places Program (CBP) and six case studies. These case studies are examples of the range of projects funded through the program which include place managers, strategic plans and physical improvement projects. They demonstrate how the program assists metropolitan and regional councils and communities to create more vibrant, attractive, sustainable and safer public places.

About the programIn the 2009-10 State Budget, the Victorian Government allocated an additional $4.3 million over two years to the CBP program. This builds on the successful $13.5 million funding initiative which commenced in the 2005-06 financial year. The program has funded over 100 urban improvement projects in the principal and major activity centres in metropolitan Melbourne and the eligible towns and cities along the networked cities corridor.

The CBP program implements Melbourne 2030 and Melbourne @ 5 Million objectives by co-funding councils for activity centre and town centre place managers and projects that will result in physical improvements to the public realm that all users of a centre can enjoy.

Public realm improvements based on strategic plans (eg. structure plans and urban design frameworks) will contribute significantly to improving the viability of activity centres in managing and protecting liveability.

ObjectivesThe Creating Better Places program supports the objectives of Growing Victoria Together, the State Government’s broad vision for the future, and the implementation of Melbourne 2030, the framework for sustainable growth in metropolitan Melbourne and networked regional centres.

CBP supports rejuvenated activity and town centres becoming more attractive to visitors and local residents as places to shop, conduct business, use services and facilities and as recreational and social destinations.

The CBP Program will fund projects that:

• create attractive, stimulating spaces that encourage social interaction;

• improve pedestrian movement and safety;

• encourage environmentally sustainable development; and

• stimulate economic development by providing the foundation for future investment that will attract more businesses, services, visitors and permanent residents.

Grant CategoriesPhysical improvementsCapital works projects in publicly owned and accessible places.

Place managersOne year of co-funding for a place manager to support development and capital investment, subject to commitment from councils for ongoing funding over 2-3 years. A maximum of up to $100,000 will be considered for a place manager position.

Bridging projectsStrategic infrastructure or urban design projects that lead from structure plans to physical improvement projects. The bridging projects category will include design for capital works with emphasis on the network cities and corridors.

Eligibility, assessment criteria and applicationsDetailed information is provided in a separate brochure – Urban Improvement Grants.

Application forms have been provided for your information. It is expected that most applicants will download the Word format application forms available from the website at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/cbp to complete applications.

For further information Program Manager, Creating Better Places Program Urban Development Department of Planning and Community Development GPO Box 2392, Melbourne 3001 (Level 3, 55 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000)

For General Information please telephone (03) 8644 8835

DescriptionThe project aimed to restore and renovate a derelict signal box to become the centrepiece of an exciting new cultural precinct – Signal. Signal will be a multi-functional space, over two floors, with the capability to host and promote a wide range of activities for young people.

Signal is located within a larger outdoor space on the north bank of the Yarra River, forming a creative space for younger people. This cultural precinct, in turn, fits within a larger concept plan to revitalise the overall north bank of the Yarra River, creating a vibrant new riverfront that strategically links Southbank with the CBD.

Project Objectives• To engage young people in the production

and showcasing of high quality cultural and artistic products that will give them the opportunity to communicate their experiences and views through their involvement in art.

• To provide young people – including young people at risk, those from Aboriginal or Torres Straight Island (ATSI) and Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds and those with disabilities – with the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of art, organising productions and gaining practical experience in arts management.

OutcomesThe signal box has been redeveloped to create a flexible space for young people to explore their creative pursuits. This includes exhibition and performance space as well as creative tools for various media types. Outdoor staging, outdoor speakers and outdoor iGlass projection screens will allow young artists to develop and showcase their work. There is currently an under-representation of services for young people in the City of Melbourne and this project will help address this identified gap.

BenefitsThe renovation of the signal box has produced a significant improvement to the Northbank precinct by providing a visually interesting cultural icon for youth in the heart of Melbourne and will support the reinvigoration of a major under-developed area of the city.

Total Project Cost: $1,050,000 | City of Melbourne $150,000 | CBP $130,000 | others $770,000

Before

Creating Better Places Program

After

Case Study | CIty of MelBourne | CBP round 2Signal Box restoration Project

DescriptionA Place Manager for Sydenham and Sunshine provides a focus for coordinated Council, State Government, business and community involvement in the implementation of the strategic plans for each centre. The Place Manager is responsible for driving the implementation of the Sydenham Transit City Master Plan and the Sunshine Principal Activity Centre Structure Plan and facilitates project delivery for a range of development and infrastructure works and community engagement initiatives.

Project Objectives• Coordinating an integrated planning and

design strategy for areas surrounding the Sunshine and Albion stations;

• Facilitating community and business involvement, building networks in the centre and addressing community safety; and

• Facilitating redevelopment of identified strategic sites, including commercial office and housing development.

OutcomesThe Place Manager coordinated the delivery of a number of projects that help improve the social and economic status of the local community. Outcomes included:

• Delivery of the Sydenham Connections Study aimed at facilitating improved walking and cycling access to and within the Sydenham Transit City.

• Improved safety, security and amenity through the Sunshine Station Precinct Urban Revitalisation project.

• Providing a focus to coordinate development within the two centres.

Benefits• Enable successful ideas and approaches to

be transferred from one centre to the other.

• Provide for efficiencies in project management, particularly in liaising with State Government agencies.

• Account for cyclical changes in workload in each centre over time;

• Makes best use of the limited resources available.

• Supports and concentrates activity centres as a focus for high-quality development, activity and living for the whole community.

• Coordinates a whole of Council and Government approach to the implementation of strategic initiatives with the centre.

Case Study | BrIMBank CIty CounCIl | CBP round 2Sunshine and Sydenham Place Manager

Total Project Cost: $180,000 | Brimbank City Council $80,000 | CBP $100,000

Creating Better Places Program

Aerial photo from the Sydenham Connections Study

Pedestrian, road and landscaping improvements along Sydenham Road

DescriptionThis project funded the second stage of a four stage process to improve the pedestrian amenity in the central Springvale shopping area. The scope of works for Buckingham Avenue Stage -2 included widening the existing footpath, realigning and reconfiguring the existing on-street car park, up-grading the existing drainage, placing power lines underground, removing and replanting street trees, constructing new feature street lights, street furniture, and creating a new roundabout to improve vehicle and pedestrian movement.

Project ObjectivesTo upgrade the pedestrian environment in the Springvale Shopping Centre to create more attractive and vibrant public spaces. This was expected to contribute to catalyst projects for the future development of under-developed land within the centre.

OutcomesBuckingham Avenue, between Queens Avenue and Balmoral Avenue, underwent significant upgrades to ensure a quality environment for pedestrians. Pedestrians now have improved spaces in the public realm and also have safer options for crossing Buckingham Avenue.

Benefits• A vibrant public space strengthening the

identity and attractiveness of the Springvale Shopping Centre.

• A more permeable centre with more access options and safer access for pedestrians.

• Leveraging of greater opportunities for catalyst developments and improved utilisation of public and private assets.

• Build on the culturally rich aspects of the centre that make it a destination for shoppers in the south east.

Total Project Cost: $939,000 | City of Greater Dandenong: $425,000 | CBP: $200,000 | Others: $314,000

Case Study | CIty of Greater DanDenonG | CBP round 2Buckingham avenue Street Improvement

Creating Better Places Program

Before

After

Creating Better Places Program

Case Study | Port PhIllIP CIty CounCIl | CBP rounds 2+3+4 Coventry Street Connections Project

DescriptionThe Coventry Street Connections project provides a prominently designed pedestrian connection between the core retail area along Clarendon Street, the Market and the light rail station, via the emerging specialty retail precinct on Coventry Street. The concept development of Coventry Street Connections has engaged key stakeholders including the South Melbourne Market Committee, South Melbourne Business Association (and Coventry Street Sub Group), and the broader community. The concept plan has confirmed key design principles and directions building on those aspects within the Structure Plan and the Master Plan prepared for this centre. This project has been funded over Rounds 2, 3 and 4.

Project Objectives• Address the challenges in Coventry Street (between the

light rail station and Cecil Street), including: improving perceptions of safety; traffic calming; extending pedestrian space; and rationalising car parking.

• Incorporate way finding to improve connectivity between the station, the market, Coventry Street retail environs, Clarendon Street and the emerging core retail environment on York Street.

• Provide sustainable, yet ambient lighting, to assist in alleviating the poor perceptions of safety during the evening.

• Construct a raised pedestrian pavement at the intersection of Coventry and Clarendon Street to provide an improved link to the Clarendon Centre.

OutcomesInitially started in Round 2 of the Creating Better Places Program as a schematic design process, Rounds 3 and 4 saw the project develop into physical improvements and a total redesign of the public realm.

This project has ensured that the most critical pedestrian connection between the market and the emerging core retail environs within South Melbourne is accessible, safe, comfortable and full of vitality.

Benefits• Creation of a streetscape that is less dominated by

asphalt and private cars.

• Incorporation of additional public open space within the commercial core, providing seating, shade, landscaping and artwork.

• The construction of a prominent universal designed pedestrian treatment providing a link between the core retail activity along Clarendon Street, to adjoining areas of interest.

• Visual definition to north and south bound transit along Clarendon Street which was required to define this intersection as a significant node. The intersection provides access to a series of key attractions and destinations in the immediate proximity.

• Ecologically sustainable streetscape works incorporating water sensitive urban design principles.

Before

After

Total Project Cost: $930,000 | Port Phillip City Council $605,000 | CBP $325,000

Case Study | kInGSton CIty CounCIl | round 4Stage 2 Mordialloc Bay to rail Precinct (the Centreway) Implementation Project

Creating Better Places Program

Total Project Cost: $390,000 | Kingston City Council $190,000 | CBP $200,000

DescriptionStage 2 of the Bay to Rail Precinct project aimed to complement Stage 1 works in the Mordialloc Station Forecourt and to create a stronger connection between Port Phillip Bay and the station via the Centreway and the Main Street shopping precinct. The Centreway is a major thoroughfare between the Bay and Main Street. The project involved streetscape works for the Centreway section of the precinct with a particular emphasis on the eastern end which meets Main Street. Stages 1 and 2 were funded over Rounds 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Creating Better Places Program.

Project ObjectivesStage 2, the Centreway, aimed to deliver:

• An improved amenity and appeal through streetscape works.

• An attractor for community gathering and day tourism visitation

• A calm pedestrian environment with reduced vehicle impacts on the precinct and increased walking and cycling

• Investment and economic opportunities through the establishment of new mixed use developments providing commercial and residential living options.

OutcomesThe Centreway project has created a pedestrian priority zone with an emphasis on pedestrian movement and safety, and improved public amenity incorporating tree planting, landscaping and seating. Centreway generates a street active retail environment which complements the public realm works and creates a revitalised retail edge.

BenefitsThe key project benefits are:

• An improved pedestrian connection between Mordialloc Station and Mordialloc Foreshore

• An improved public realm and streetscape

• Anticipated increased economic opportunities due to improved amenity.

Before

After

Total Project Cost: $212,500 | Brimbank City Council $106,250 | CBP $106,250

Creating Better Places Program

Case Study | GolDen PlaInS ShIre CounCIl | CBP rounds 4 & 5Bruce’s Creek open Space Corridor

DescriptionThe first stage of this project included the construction of a 1.2 kilometre path along Bruce’s Creek and a pedestrian crossing connecting residential areas in the southern and western areas of Bannockburn to the commercial hub of Bannockburn as well as the Primary School and future recreation precinct. The project occurred simultaneously with development of these residential areas and the relocation of the Primary School and Recreation Precinct.

Golden Plains Shire received funding for Stage 2 of Bruce’s Creek Open Space Corridor Project of $135,250 through Round 5. The project will complete the construction of a 2.4km shared pedestrian and cycle path along Bruce’s Creek. The path will provide a connection between residential areas and the commercial/community hub, school and sports precinct. The project implements the Bruce’s Creek Master Plan & Bannockburn Urban Design Framework.

Project Objectives This project will see the implementation of the Bruce’s Creek Master Plan, which is a product of the Bannockburn Urban Design Framework 2003.

OutcomesThe Corridor is logistically placed to be advantageous to the whole of the Bannockburn community and will facilitate the integration of new and planned residential areas with established township areas. Having prepared the Bannockburn Urban Design Framework in advance, key land use activities to support the growing population have been strategically sited adjacent to the Creek Corridor, enabling the Creek Corridor to be fully utilised for connecting key precincts.

The Master Plan provides the detailed design and represents the community’s vision for this key feature of the township. The next stage will see the on-ground works to implement the plan for this important, functional physical space linking the communities and key precincts of the township, alongside a natural feature that has previously been ‘hidden’ and which is now undergoing rehabilitation and revegetation. This project will see development of the pathway providing access for the enjoyment and well-being of the community.

Benefits• Bruce’s Creek Open Space Corridor is a key feature of the

Bannockburn township, connecting a growing, walkable, healthy and integrated community.

• The creek side walk creates an attractive promenade from which the community can enjoy the creek side and access to facilities and precincts throughout the town.

• Designed to be a multi-functional public open space providing opportunities for passive open space, formal recreational reserves.

• Provides easy connectivity between residential areas, the town centre, school, recreation areas and nature reserves.

• Creation of a significant landscape corridor with high environmental values which can become the “jewel” of the township and an off-road alternative for movement of the community in utilising various precincts in the township.

Before

After

Published and Authorised by the Victorian Government Department of Planning and Community Development, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne Vic 3002. ©The State of Victoria Department of Planning and Community Development 2010.

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

ISBN 978 1 74152 885 5. Printed by Stream Solutions.

This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/cbp

Creating Better Places 2010-11 Urban Improvement Grants

For general information about Urban Improvement Grants:

Anne Cahir Program Manager Creating Better Places Program Urban Development Department of Planning and Community Development GPO Box 2392, Melbourne 3001 (Level 3, 55 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000)Telephone (03) 8644 8835 Facsimile (03) 8644 8833

DPCD regional office contacts

Gippsland

Alan FreitagManager – Planning and Development71 Hotham StreetTraralgon VIC 3844Telephone: 5172 2530 Facsimile: 5172 2100

Hume

Bruce StandishManager – Planning and Development Level 1, 62 Ovens StreetPO Box 1282Wangaratta VIC 3676Telephone: 5722 7126 Facsimile: 5722 7109

Grampians – Barwon Sector

Kim McGoughManager – Planning and DevelopmentLevel 4, State Government OfficeCnr Fenwick and Little Malop Streets PO Box 103, Geelong VIC 3220Telephone: 5226 4012 Facsimile: 5226 4011

Grampians – BallaratJason TaylorManager – Planning and Development111 Armstrong Street NorthBallarat VIC 3350Telephone: 5327 2844 Facsimile: 5327 2830

Loddon MalleeRobert Rorke Acting Manager Planning and Development1 Taylor Street, Epsom Box 3100, Bendigo Delivery Centre VIC 3554Telephone: 5430 4752 Facsimile: 5430 4755

A Word version of the application form may be downloaded from the Creating Better Places website at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/cbp